Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist

When you perform a Google search for a particular product, do you think that Google gives you random results back? Of course not, in fact Google provides some of the best content on the Internet in a fraction of a second. That’s because Google prowls the Internet for specific keywords and terms that are placed throughout webpages to determine what pages are the most relevant for specific search terms. Sound like a mouthful? Well Google’s search results are actually based on a simple concept that web designers and content writers utilize around the world: The concept of Search Engine Optimization.

Search Engine Optimization, or SEO for short, refers to the ability to improve the visibility of webpages within search results for free. It means tweaking a website’s content, arrangement, and keywords to make that site appear as close to the top of search results as possible, because the closer to the top a website is, the more exposure and revenue it is likely to make.

There are basically two ways to get bumped to the top of search results in a search engine. One way to get your site listed at the top is to actually pay to be there. While paying to have your website listed at the top of search results is a solid business move, it can actually prove to be rather costly in the end. That’s why many site owners prefer another way to get bumped to the top of the list, through SEO.

So how can you make money delivering search-engine-optimized content to clients around the world?

1) Familiarize yourself with HTML. This is by far one of the most important steps to creating the best SEO content on a particular website. Search engines will actually comb through the various codes that make up websites, looking for keywords and embedded descriptions that are behind the scenes (like meta tags) to determine which sites need to be given priority. Being able to create pages that cater to this method that search engines use is of paramount importance.

2) Learn how to embed keywords. Another important aspect of SEO is making sure that keywords are peppered throughout the content that you’re creating so that search engines have an easier time finding what they’re looking for. The best way to do this is to consider what a user may be searching for, and then apply it to your article. If you’re creating content about golf tips, consider using keywords like “swing, instruction, clubs, golf, tips and tricks” throughout your article.

3) Remember: Content is king. Probably one of the most overused terms in the business, but it’s still a very important tip to remember. If the content you’re creating is boring, then it doesn’t matter how many keywords or meta tags you plague your article with; no one is going to read it. You have to balance a fine line between providing content that is interesting and engaging while inserting all of the necessary technical data at the same time. It can take a lot of practice, but once you find your even keel, then you’ll be well on your way to creating outstanding SEO content.

Do you think you have what it takes to be an SEO content provider? Check out the job summary below to find out more regarding this expanding and competitive online occupation.

Job Summary: SEO Marketing

Suitable for age range: 16+ years old.

Safety and security: Minimum safety and security risks when working in-home. Basic Internet security precautions should always be taken when working online.

Can continue as a career? Many SEO content providers make long and successful careers out of bumping clients’ websites to the top positions in the world’s best search engines.

Required soft skills: Ability to work with clients, to communicate clearly and understand their needs, and to navigate the Internet.

Required hard skills: Ability to work with HTML and related website languages, to understand how to use meta tags, keywords, and structure throughout a webpage, to have a clear understanding of how search engines like Google and Bing work, and to use all of this knowledge to create interesting and engaging content for audiences online and around the world.

o SEOClerk.com – A marketplace for SEO service providers and specialists

Where & how to find one? SEO Marketing is something that you can do completely on your own; most people work from home and for themselves. You can put your services out there by starting with local businesses. Visit the ones that interest you the most and see if they need help getting their websites bumped up in search results. You can consider advertising your services locally in the classified ads, and on sites like Elance and Odesk. SEOClerk.com would worth a visit to learn how SEO experts advertise and provide services to their clients.

Estimated pay: The pay you make is completely up to you. The range that SEO marketers charge varies widely, so the best course of action is to consider how long a project will take you, and then multiply those hours by how much you wish to make per hour. When pricing a job for SEO to local businesses always remember one thing: You may get a business to the top for a day, but without constant maintenance that ranking won’t last, so consider charging a setup fee for the website along with a monthly service fee to keep that business on the first page.

Shirin is a veteran in human resources and career development. Her interest is virtual education, online training, online marketing, and blogging. She is a mentor and career advisor to many online communities.